Alabama Hammers Lose Season Opener
March 29, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Alabama Hammers News Release
The Nashville Venom opened its inaugural season in the PIFL with a big win over the defending PIFL champion Alabama Hammers 56-40 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. After being tied at 27 through the first half, the Venom used a stingy defense and outstanding play on offense by outscoring the Hammers 29-13 in the second half of the game before an announced crowd of 3,008.
"They made more plays than we did and we lost possessions and you can't catch up by doing that," said Dean Cokinos head coach of the Hammers.
The opening half of play was like a heavyweight boxing match with each team delivering big blows and taking shots in return before entering intermission dead even.
In the third quarter, the Hammers were forced to kick once and twice turned the ball over on downs while the Venom scored a touchdown and field goal. "We just didn't hold them, especially on late downs," added Cokinos.
For the Venom, Alex Cardner threw for 220 yards on 19 completions and seven touchdowns. Jordan Jolly had three touchdown pass catches and Phillip Barnett added two scores. Alabama was led by 2013 PIFL Player of the Year Mico McSwain who had six scoring catches. The Hammers used quarterbacks Kevin Huff and Russell Hill, who combined for 281-yards on 24 completions.
On defense, Corry Stewart led all defenders with 11 tackles for Nashville.
"We'll have to regroup and try and find our identity," said Cokinos of the Hammers.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 29, 2014
- Alabama Hammers Lose Season Opener - Alabama Hammers
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